The 12 Best Holiday Hair Looks

You’ve got the dress (or fabulous pants), jewels and shoes all in place. Now all you need is a soigné hairstyle to set off your look. The red carpet is full of inspiration these days, even for those of who aren’t primped by professionals in our hotel suites. In the spirit of the season, we rounded up 12 eye-catching, effortless options to last you through those RSVP-laden 12 days of Christmas and beyond. Cheer

Crushing Waves
Amanda Seyfried’s ribbon curls evoke that perfect old Hollywood glamour that’s always in style. For a look that lasts into the late-late hours, set hair in hot rollers and touch up with a curling iron before gently brushing out into cascading waves.

Twinkle Twinkle
Sometimes all you need is a sparkly hair accessory to show you’re having fun, like Milla Jovavich. Pull your hair up and slip on a bejeweled clip or barrette—the key is to keep your hair loose and tousled to show you’re in the festive mood.

Aim High
A bun is just a bun. Until you hike it up really high like Diane Kruger. Then it suddenly becomes statement-y and super dressy. Mist on a shine spray to lend a smooth polish (and make it clear you didn’t come from the gym).

Do the Twist
No one does beachy waves better than Kate Hudson. Here, she shows us how to dress up the surfer style for a night out. After wrapping your hair around a clamp-less iron to get tons of tendrils, twist back a few pieces and pin in place just above your nape. Gather the rest into a low pony and set with a lightweight hairspray.

Smooth Moves
Blake Lively evokes plenty of hair envy and this glamorous blowout proves the point. It’s simple but striking. To get a similarly bouncy effect, blowdry with a paddle brush to eliminate any frizz, then curl just the ends for movement.

The Braid-y Bunch
Although Julianne Hough’s intricate ‘do looks complicated, it doesn’t have to require eighty steps. Just braid back a side section of your hair and secure with pins. Gather the rest into a bun, adding a second twist on the other side of your head, if time permits. Remember, this style actually looks better if it’s not too precise or perfect.

Stay in the Loop
Solange Knowles’s low, sleek loop reminds us of the kind seen on the Altuzarra runway. With a crisp red lip, center part and killer shine (mist on those gloss sprays!), she’s the picture of holiday polish.

Show Some Shoulder
Long hair looks much more elegant when swept over one shoulder, like Kristen Stewart displays. To anchor your mane to one side, twist back a section of hair behind your ear and secure with pins before misting with hairspray.

Parting Shots
A super slick hairstyle will never let you down for a party. Rihanna’s deep side part, drawn a few inches above the ear, adds an extra element of interest that’s easy enough to do in a few minutes.

Turn Up the Volume
Take a cue from Gwen Stefani: don’t underestimate the power of a simple blow-out enhanced with major volume. Tease the under section of your hair before smoothing out the top with round brush for that added oomph.

Pomp and Circumstance
Scarlett Johansson has never been afraid of taking risks with her hair—case in point, this amazing pompadour-inspired style. To try it yourself, set your hair in large rollers to create oversized curls, then pile hair up into a twist, leaving the top section loose and wavy.

The Pony Show
The great thing about a ponytail is that it can be easily go from daytime casual to evening chic with just a few tweaks. Try pulling the sides slick and tight and leaving a bit of volume at the top, like Zoe Saldana.